Ateng has felt how difficult it is to live with his stepmother. He is often being shouted at and even gets slapped. His father never stands by him. The village people are impressed to see the appearance of Iskak, Ateng’s old friend, who has just returned from Jakarta. This causes Ateng to yearn to leave for the capital city. And so Ateng joins Iskak. Once they arrive in Jakarta, their bags are stolen. Apparently Iskak has been talking big, as it is difficult for him to find a job. Ateng feels miserable in the capital city. He has been beaten up, starved and tricked. Ateng feels the capital city is crueler than his stepmother.
The film is a "reconstruction" of the real event of Sum Kuning’s rape that happened 10 years before, and sums up the lack of justice in the Indonesian courts. Sumirah, is raped by four vandals but during the investigation, the event is given a ridiculous interpretation when Sum is forced to confess that she was trying to gain popularity for herself. During the trial, the true facts are revealed gradually and this ranks as one of the best courtroom films ever made complete with spirited and lively dialogue.
Dr. Hartono
Mr. Parto gambles away his house and then dies, but his spirit continues to "help" his doctor son by causing him as much misfortune as possible.
Mbok Puspo’s cafe, at the edge of Kalimas, under Jembatan Merah or “Red Bridge”, is a meeting place for many. Mbok Puspo also sells rags for additional income while her adopted daughter, Sudiasih, runs the cafe and is the shining beauty of the place. The regulars are Ngawang, a small time thief who fails to make his wife happy; Kenanga, who becomes a prostitute to spite her husband; Siswanto, a student who does not have the courage to confess his love to Sudiasih; Pungguk the painter; a civil servant, and a postman. The love stories between Siswanto and Sudiasih; and Ngawang and Kenang are the central plots. Seeing Siswanto and Sudiasih’s love, Ngawang and Kenanga also find each other. Meanwhile, Mbok Puspo is in a dilemma when she receives a letter from her child, Sri Bidari, who was adopted by a rich family.
Sumiati meets the wealthy but unrefined Johny while on vacation in Tretes. Even though she reciprocates, she also goes after a younger suitor named Herman. A love triangle ensues and is further complicated when Paimo, Johny’s servant, also takes a liking to Sumiati. When Paimo tries to seduce her, Johny becomes angry and kills him but his ghost returns.
